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As the central location for the United States Government, Washington, D.C., offers a large selection of tourist attractions centered around the country's history. The National Smithsonian offers numerous free attractions that are educational and entertaining. Washington, D.C. attracts a lot of tourists for its Cherry Blossom festival in early spring, as well as throughout the summer months.

International Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum takes visitors through the history of espionage in the United States and internationally. More than 200 pieces of equipment are on display at the museum, ranging from cameras to listening devices. Exhibits rotate throughout the year focusing on the history of spying and the future. Special events are planned for children and adults throughout the year. During these events, participants try to break codes and solve clues. Some events are held during the day, while others include an overnight stay. If you contact The Spy Museum at least 30 days in advance, it will organize a spy-themed scavenger hunt for your tourist group.rnrnInternational Spy Museumrn800 F Street NWrnWashington, DC 20004rn202-393-7798rnspymuseum.org

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Equipment and photographs detail the history of aviation from the first flight by the Wright Brothers to space travel. More than 22 exhibits are on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Exhibits include civilian and military planes and items from various space missions, including the space suits worn by astronauts. The majority of these displays are for observation only, but there are a few interactive flight simulators as well. rnrnThe Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum has two theaters. One is an IMAX theater, and the other is a planetarium featuring shows about the stars in the universe. The shows displayed at the theaters as well as the times for the showings vary throughout the year.rnrnSmithsonian National Air and Space MuseumrnIndependence Avenue at 6th Street SWrnWashington, DC 20560rn202-633-2214rnnasm.si.edu

Typical Weather

Washington, District of Columbia in

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The temperature in Washington, District of Columbia in September tends to be very predictable, so you can generally count on the forecast and travel light.

The temperature in Washington, District of Columbia in September is somewhat unpredictable, so be on the safe side and prepare for a variety of conditions.

The temperature in Washington, District of Columbia in September is highly unpredictable, so use the forecast as a guide, but be ready for anything!

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is home to close to 2,000 different animals from nearly 400 species according to the park's Web site. These animals include birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and mammals. The zoo participates in animal exchanges throughout the world, and therefore animals on display change frequently. Throughout the day, special demonstrations including feedings and communication demonstrations are performed at the animals' locations. The schedule varies and can be found on the Smithsonian National Zoological Park's Web site. rnrnSmithsonian National Zoological Parkrn3001 Connecticut Ave. NWrnWashington, DC 20008 rn202-633-4240rnnationalzoo.si.edu

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of the United States is open for tourists throughout the year Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., except for federal holidays. Visitors can tour exhibits about the court and law from the history of the United States, as well as see a movie about the Supreme Court's history. From October to April, the Supreme Court is in session and listens to oral arguments from 10 a.m. until noon. Seating is limited, but there are two lines for tourists to join to observe a Supreme Court session. One is for those that wish to listen to a three-minute portion of the arguments, the other is for listening to the entire two hour session. Seating is extremely limited for listening to the entire session, and lines can form hours in advance for popular arguments. When the Supreme Court is not in session, there are courtroom lectures in the Supreme Court every hour on the half hour starting at 9:30 and ending at 3:30.rnrnSupreme Courtrn1st and East Capitol StreetsrnWashington, DC 20560rn202-479-3211rnsupremecourtus.gov

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About the Author

Alan Kirk has been writing for online publications since 2006. He has more than 15 years' experience in catering, management and government relations. Kirk has a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Maryland.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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